Woman of the Year Finalist Spotlight: Amanda Carter
For Amanda Carter, strong industries are built by creating pathways for people to succeed.
As a finalist in the 2026 Meat Business Women Australia Woman of the Year Award, proudly supported by BOTT Insurance Group, Amanda has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for people to enter, grow and thrive across Australia's red meat processing industry.
As Program Manager – People and Culture at the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC), Amanda has championed workforce capability, leadership development and workplace safety, helping deliver initiatives that strengthen both individual careers and the long-term sustainability of the industry.
Creating pathways for future talent
When Amanda reflects on her career, she is proudest of the work she has done to make the industry more accessible and create meaningful opportunities for others.
"What I am most proud of is the way my work has consistently centred on people, supporting individuals to enter, grow within, and remain in the industry."
From the development of the careers portal and knowledge hub to the Grow Your Own program and the upcoming University STEM Challenge, Amanda has focused on helping people discover the breadth of opportunities available across Australia's red meat processing industry.
She believes investing in workforce capability today will strengthen the industry for years to come.
Building stronger workplaces
Amanda is equally passionate about creating workplaces where people can succeed safely and confidently.
Her work has included supporting initiatives focused on psychosocial safety, workforce wellbeing and emerging technologies, while creating opportunities for industry to come together through network meetings, Spotlight sessions and the National Safety Conference to share practical ideas and learn from one another.
These experiences have reinforced her belief that collaboration strengthens both people and businesses.
Leading through collaboration
Amanda's leadership philosophy has remained consistent throughout her career.
"A core value that has shaped my career is the belief that strong industries are built through collaboration, inclusion and capability development."
Whether mentoring others, building confidence or creating opportunities for people to step into leadership, Amanda believes investing in capability benefits individuals, organisations and the broader industry.
She is also encouraged by the increasing diversity across the sector and the growing representation of women in leadership roles.
Looking ahead
Amanda believes her greatest future impact lies in continuing to strengthen workforce pathways and leadership capability across the sector.
Expanding initiatives such as the careers portal, knowledge hub, Grow Your Own program and the University STEM Challenge will help ensure people not only enter the industry, but build meaningful and rewarding careers within it.
Recognition through the Woman of the Year Award would represent an opportunity to continue advocating for the industry's future.
"It would reinforce the importance of people focused leadership and provide a platform to further advocate for workforce development, safety and inclusion."
For Amanda, it would also acknowledge the many individuals, organisations and communities she has had the privilege to work alongside throughout her career.
Celebrate with us in Melbourne
Amanda is one of five outstanding finalists in the 2026 Meat Business Women Australia Woman of the Year Award. You can catch up on our 'Spotlight Series' here.
The winner will be announced at the MBW Australia Gender Representation Report Insights & Awards Evening on Tuesday, 28 July, at the RACV Club, Melbourne.
Join industry leaders from across the meat and food supply chain for an evening of networking, thought-provoking insights from the 2026 Gender Representation Report and the celebration of women helping shape the future of our industry.
Tickets are on sale now.
Woman of the Year Award Proudly supported by Bott Insurance Group
Insurance should do more than just tick a compliance box. It should protect the people who keep a business moving, owners making tough calls, teams showing up every day, and customers who rely on you. That’s why BOTT Insurance Group exists: to deliver insurance with purpose, grounded in genuine relationships and practical outcomes.
Backed by more than 30 years of broking experience and the strength of long-standing insurer partnerships, BOTT’s focus has never been one-size-fits-all products. The team takes the time to understand each client’s operations, risk appetite, and what a good outcome looks like - then works through the detail to deliver a solution that fits.
BOTT’s principles are simple:
- People are at the centre of the business
- Whatever it takes
- Together we’re better
- A desire to understand and deliver
That means a hands-on team that works closely with clients from advice and placement through to claims management, because support matters most when something goes wrong. With offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Cairns and Sydney, and the ability to service clients nationwide, BOTT supports organisations ranging from small businesses to large private and ASX-listed companies. Across commercial and corporate risks, financial lines, people risk and employee benefits, risk consulting and more, BOTT’s goal is to make insurance feel clearer, more human, and more useful.
As sponsor of the MBW Woman of the Year Award, BOTT Insurance Group is proud to support an initiative that recognises leadership, values people and highlights the impact individuals can have across business and industry.
